“Bad will be the day, for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing, when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is still, in spite of all, the child of God” (Phillips Brooks).
A life focus on Christ transforms a person’s goals, prayer life, perspective, attitudes and calling. He prioritizes knowing and making Christ known.
Pray for Disciples’ Knowledge and Discernment
Paul and Timothy thanked the believers, elders and deacons in Philippi as they remembered them in prayer because of their partnership in the gospel. God’s completed His good work in them at the day of Christ because of Paul’s heart for them. He prayed their heart abound in knowledge and insight to discern what was best leading to purity until the day of Christ being filled with His fruit of righteousness for God’s glory (Phil. 1:1-11). Pray for knowledge, discernment, purity and righteousness in your disciples
Rejoice Over Circumstances Advancing the Gospel
Paul’s circumstances advanced the gospel throughout the palace guard and encouraged others to speak God’s word boldly. He rejoiced that Christ was preached from both selfish and loving motives. Their prayers allowed the Holy Spirit to deliver and exalt Christ in his body by life or death. Dying was the best outcome but living helped them progress in joyful faith. Paul exhorted them to stand firm in one spirit for the faith of the gospel. Opposition was a sign of their enemies being destroyed and they being saved by God. Paul’s life showed that suffering followed believing (Phil. 1:12-30). Rejoice that your circumstances advance the gospel amid opposition.
Practice Christlike and Servant Attitude
The love and fellowship of Christ should motivate them toward like-mindedness and one purpose by looking out for others interests instead of selfish ambition. A Christlike attitude of servanthood and humility caused one to take up their cross, even to death. God exalted Christ by giving Him a name above every name so every tongue in heaven and earth confessed Jesus as Lord (Phil. 2:1-11). Practice a Christlike, humble and servant attitude without selfish ambition.
Work Out Salvation in God’s Power
Paul exhorted them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling trusting in God’s power to act according to His good purpose. By not complaining or arguing, they became blameless children of God in a crooked and depraved generation shining like stars as they held out the word of life. Paul poured himself out as a drink offering desiring they walk faithfully so he could boast on the day of Christ. He planned to send Timothy, his son in the faith, who took a genuine interest in their welfare to receive news about them. Epaphroditus took care of Paul’s needs and almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help they could not give Paul (Phil. 2:12-30). Work out your salvation in God’s power caring for others’ welfare.
Prioritize Knowing Christ Through Sufferings
Paul reminded them to rejoice and glory in Christ through worship by the Holy Spirit as they watched out for evil men who put confidence in the flesh. Paul was tempted to glory in his circumcision from the tribe of Benjamin, expertise in the law, a Pharisee, zealous persecutor of the church and faultless in legalistic righteousness. He considered everything rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ as Lord. His righteousness came from Christ, not the law. He wanted to know Christ by sharing in His sufferings and death before experiencing His resurrection (Phil. 3:1-11). Prioritize knowing Christ in His sufferings, death and resurrection.
Pursue God’s Calling According to His Plan
Paul pressed on to lay hold of everything that Christ accomplished for him. He forgot the past and focused on winning the prize of God’s calling in Christ. Paul exhorted them to embrace their citizenship in heaven instead of living with an earthly mindset like enemies of the cross whose destiny was destruction. Paul and his disciples waited for Christ, their heavenly Savior, to bring everything under His control and transform their bodies into a new and glorious one (Phil. 3:12-21). Pursue God’s calling according to His sovereign plan allowing Him to supernaturally transform your life.
Pray Always and Think Truthfully
The Philippians rejoiced and showed gentleness because the Lord was near. Instead of being anxious, they prayed about everything with thanksgiving so God’s peace guarded their hearts and mind in Christ. Their thinking was true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy to put into practice what they learned, received, heard and seen in Paul. He rejoiced over their renewed concern and learned the secret of contentment in any circumstance because of Christ’s strength. Only the Philippians gave and received when he set out from Macedonia and repeatedly sent aid when Paul was in Thessalonica. He did not look for their gift but the acceptable sacrifice credited to their account. God supplied all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ (Phil. 4:1-23). Pray always and think truthfully with thanksgiving leading to generous giving.
Answer the following questions to gauge your direction in life:
What are you praying about?
How do you view your circumstances?
What is your attitude toward others?
What are you striving for in life?
What are your priorities?
What is God’s calling for your life?
What are you thinking about?
